Assessment of effective dose from radioactive isotopes contained in mineral waters received by patients during hydrotherapy treatments

Abstract

Hydrotherapy is a natural treatment and health protection method. Treatments using natural mineral water are gaining popularity as an alternative to pharmacotherapy or as additional support to pharmacotherapy in many types of diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the effective dose obtained as a result of baths and inhalations using popular mineral water samples. A total of 18 commercially available water samples used in hydrotherapy were tested for their radioactive isotope content. The following isotopes were found: 40K, 208Tl, 212Bi, 212Pb, 214Bi, 214Pb, 226Ra, 228Ac, 234Th. Effective doses received by patients during inhalation and bathing using the tested mineral water samples were determined. The collected sample activity was measured using gamma spectrometry. The effective doses received by patients from a series of inhalation treatments ranged from 170.4 to 22.9 μSv. Infants receive the highest effective dose as a result of inhalation of mineral water. The doses received by patients as a result of bathing in the studied mineral water samples were in the range of from 0.04 to 1.1 μSv and were comparable with doses from ordinary baths in tap water (0.06 μSv). The determined doses are very low; thus, they are unlikely to cause noticeable biological effects.